Since 1997/98 no specific budget has been available for minor highway improvements, such as footways, which cost more than £5,000 each. At present minor improvements costing the County Council less than £5,000 may be funded from the 'discretionary' budget, if they have the support of the County, District and Parish Councillors for the area. Partnership schemes can go ahead on this basis provided that the County contribution does not exceed £5,000.
Cost sharing arrangements have been arranged with District Councils that enable the Area Joint Committees to allocate funds to minor highway improvements and traffic schemes, which will improve the environment and encourage more walking, cycling or use of public transport.
Approved minor highway improvements may also be privately funded by Parish Councils, businesses or private individuals.
Some organisations may be eligible for third sector grants to fund or part-fund the work - there is a link under publications to the right providing a list of organisations able to help with advice on third sector assistance for external grants.
Where a Parish Council wishes to part or fully fund the provision of an approved minor highway improvement scheme, the County Council may be able to make an interest free loan to enable the Parish Council to repay the cost of the scheme (by precepting within their existing Section 137 limits), over a period of up to five years.
As traffic calming is specifically included in the optional powers provided for local councils (under Part III - Powers (Clause 26-31) of The Local Government and Rating Act 1997) the full cost of a traffic calming scheme can be precepted for in one year. County Council loans are therefore not currently available for such schemes, which must be paid for in full during the financial year of their construction.